The holiday season reminds us to be grateful for the many blessings in our lives. But what many of us may not realize is that practicing gratitude as a ritual impacts our health, leading us to feel healthier and happier. Research at the University of California Davis, has revealed that practicing gratitude elevates our inner happiness and contentment with life. I first heard about the gratitude concept from Oprah who wrote that she kept a journal and made a list of all she was grateful for each day. If you are looking to make major shifts in your wellbeing and joie de vivre this New Year, consider keeping a gratitude journal.

Studies have revealed that:

1. Those who keep gratitude journal on a weekly basis exercise more often, experience less illness and feel more optimistic about the week to come and their lives as a whole (Emmons & McCullough, 2003).